Broward DUI Lawyer Blog

Fort Lauderdale DUI Attorney Carlos Canet wishes you a safe and enjoyable Labor Day weekend and encourages you to celebrate responsibly. Authorities will be out in force, looking to bust motorists for just about anything and conducting law enforcement roadblocks during the last big overtime weekend of the summer.

"Drunk driving is simply not worth the risk. Not only do you risk killing yourself or someone else, but also the trauma and financial costs of a crash or an arrest for impaired driving can be significant," said Florida Highway Patrol Director, Colonel John Czernis. "Violators often face jail time, the loss of their driver license, higher insurance rates, attorney fees, time away from work and dozens of other expenses. Do not take the chance. Remember, if you are over the limit, you can expect to be under arrest."

In fact, law enforcement in all 50 states will be participating in the "Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest" campaign, which is being augmented by a $13 million public service campaign on radio and television, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

"Drunk driving is deadly, it's against the law, and unfortunately, it's still a problem," said Secretary Ray LaHood. "With the help of law enforcement around the country, we are going to continue doing all that we can to stop drunk driving and the needless tragedies that result from this reckless behavior."

The reality is that a significant number of serious and fatal Fort Lauderdale car accidents are caused by drunk drivers. However, it is just as true that law enforcement frequently blame an accident on a driver when it is determined that he or she has been drinking. Further investigation may have determined a driver accused of DUI was not at fault in the accident. This can have a dramatic impact on your case and can even prevent you from being charged with a felony DUI or with DUI manslaughter.

Additionally, holiday weekend enforcement frequently leads to sobriety checkpoints and other questionable enforcement tactics that often result in questionable arrests. Those charged with drunk driving should always seek the advice of an attorney. DUI charges, particularly for first-time offenders, are often beatable. By the highway patrol's own estimates, only about half of all motorists charged with drunk driving last year had been convicted of DUI by year's end.

Drunk driving can result in the loss of your driver's license, jail time, fines, court costs, mandatory treatment and skyrocketing insurance rates. Job loss and the inability to hold certain jobs or enter certain professions is also a common consequence of a drunk driving conviction. Financial estimates put the cost of a DUI at $10,000 or more. Spending the money to hire an experienced DUI attorney in Miami or Fort Lauderdale can help protect your rights, your freedom and your financial well-being.